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Hiring a car abroad
Always be sure to check what insurance cover you will get when
hirinig a car abroad as this varies greatly between countries, for
example in the USA the cover is sometimes limited to the legal minimum
in the state where you hire and you may be personally liable for any
claim for damage or injury over this limit. It is advisable to
ask your tour operator or insurance adviser for top-up insurance to
increase your cover.
Taking your car abroad
All UK insurers automatically provide, at no extra cost, the legal minimum cover
in all European countries or the minimum in the UK if that is greater.
Usually, the following non-EU countries are also covered in the same way, but
you should check your cover carefully to check that this is the case.
| Croatia | Iceland | San Marino |
| Czech Republic | Liechtenstein | Slovenia |
| Gibraltar | Monaco | Slovakia |
| Hungary | Norway | Switzerland |
Most people will want the same level of cover abroad as
they have at home. If you talk to your insurer they will extend the scope of your cover
before you go abroad, for example adding accidental damage, fire and theft.
Some insurers will charge a premium for this service, although others give extra
cover, for a limited time, without charge.
Green Card
This is an internationally recognised document that provides evidence that the holder has
the minimum insurance cover required by law in the country being visited. It provides no cover itself.
You are not required to carry a Green Card in EU countries or those listed above, although you should
carry your certificate of insurance. However a Green Card can serve as easily recognisable proof of
third party insurance.
Insurers do not charge of a Green Card. Intermediaries, such as insurance brokers, may charge an
administration fee.
Other countries party to the Green Card scheme or the compulsory purchase of insurance at the border are:
| Albania | Latvia | Tunisia |
| Andorra | Macedonia | Turkey |
| Bosnia-Herzegovina | Malta | Ukraine |
| Bulgaria | Moldavia | Yugoslavia |
| Cyprus (Southern Greek Cyprus) | Morocco | |
| Estonia | Poland | |
| Iran | Romania | |
The situation regarding these listed countries is prone to change quickly, so it is advisable to check with
your insurer before travelling
Accidents abroad
In the event of an accident abroad, immediately contact
your insurer or their representative in the country
you are visiting. If your insurer offers a 24 hour emergency telephone number, make sure you
have the details with you when you travel.
Many insurers issue a European Accident Statement. This enables drivers to exchange facts while events are still fresh in their minds and without admitting liability.
Breakdown insurance
Vehicle breakdown policies can be bought with your holiday insurance or separately. They cover the cost of hiring a car while
your car is being repaired, roadside assistance, the cost of returning your car to the UK, the cost of sending out spare parts
and emergency accommodation.
Car thieves
Remember that foreign registered cars attract thieves, so it is wise to take extra precautions when travelling abroad:
- If you have to leave luggage in your vehicle then make sure it is out of sight.
- Avoid leaving important documents (e.g. your passport) in an unattended vehicle.
- See "Beating the car thief" for further advice.
Checklist
Don't set off unprepared.
- Make sure your vehicle is serviced.
- Check that you comply with the vehicle requirements of the country you are visiting.
- Take a spare set of keys
- Take your registration document, driving licence, insurance certificate, Green Card (if issued), emergency numbers
and passport.
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Car insurance guide
